Edward J. Ciaccio
Ignatius Journal Services LLC
@article{ciaccio2026tif,
title={The True Impact Function: A Citation Velocity Metric for Journal Evaluation},
author={Ciaccio, Edward J.},
year={2026},
journal={Ignatius Journal Services (IJS)},
url={https://ignatiusjs.net/tif-methodology-paper.html},
pdf={https://ignatiusjs.net/tif-methodology-paper.pdf}
}The True Impact Function (TIF) is introduced as a dynamic citation-velocity metric designed to evaluate scholarly journals based on normalized citation accumulation over time. Unlike traditional impact metrics, TIF incorporates both article volume and temporal factors, providing a more responsive and interpretable measure of scholarly influence.
Conventional journal metrics such as the Journal Impact Factor emphasize aggregate citation counts over fixed intervals. However, these measures do not directly capture citation velocity or account for variations in publication volume and timing. The True Impact Function addresses these limitations.
The True Impact Function is defined as:
TIF = C / (A × T)
Citation data are obtained from publicly accessible bibliometric sources, including Google Scholar. Article counts and publication timing are normalized to ensure comparability across journals.
The TIF framework enables comparison of journals based on citation velocity rather than static citation counts. Journals with rapid citation accumulation relative to publication volume achieve higher TIF values.
The TIF metric complements existing bibliometric indicators by introducing a time-normalized dimension of impact. It is particularly suited to rapidly evolving research fields where citation dynamics change quickly.
The True Impact Function provides a transparent and reproducible method for evaluating scholarly influence. When used alongside integrity-based measures such as the Journal Integrity Score (JIS), it supports a more comprehensive assessment of journals.
citation metrics, journal evaluation, bibliometrics, scholarly impact, publication analysis